REMEMBERING DENNIS KASEY, A FRIEND TO ALL HOOSIER STATE ATHLETES

I don’t usually check early morning text messages. As a sports writer, I have adjusted my schedule so I can cover late evening events – thus I don’t usually get up before 9 a.m. But on the morning of June 10, my phone chirped at 6:19 a.m. and I rolled over and checked the text message.

“Dennis passed away this morning.”

After shaking the cobwebs, I reread the message from Chris Lowry and said a prayer for the family of Dennis Kasey. We knew his health was in a terminal stage, but even knowing that does not make it any easier for those of us left behind.

I have known Dennis since high school. I originally knew his late twin brother, David, as he allowed me to tag along to a few games he was covering with the Kokomo Tribune. But once you got to know one you were sucked in to know them both – and that was a blessing. Dennis and I became good friends and he was among the first sports authorities I called when I started forming the original board for the Howard County Sports Hall of Fame – his knowledge of sports was legendary.

Instead of writing about what a great man Dennis Kasey was, I thought I would share some of the condolences that poured in via social media in the hours after we learned of his passing. His impact on sports – and people – was felt throughout the Hoosier state.

@Kokomocitytrny1: Thoughts/prayers to all mourning. Dennis was an avid supporter of youth baseball…David A. Kasey Major City Trny.

@HowardKellman: Dennis Kasey was a wonderful man who will be missed. Let’s honor Dennis by treating people with the kindness that he showed to others.

@indallstars: The Indiana All-Stars wish to extend our condolences to the family of Dennis Kasey. A friend to the All-Stars and all involved in HS sports.

@IHSAA1: Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Dennis Kasey. A true gentleman and friend who LOVED Indiana HS sports.

@ChrisDenari: Just heard Dennis Kasey passed away. So sad to hear. One of the good guys who dedicated himself to @IHSAA1 sports.

@gregrakestraw: Just hearing about the passing of Dennis Kasey. All of us locally in sports lost a friend. One of the best people I’ve ever known.

@carmelathletics: Our thoughts go out to the family & friends of Dennis Kasey. Dennis worked tirelessly for HS athletics in TV with WHMB-TV 40 for 2 decades.

@carpejor512: Dennis Kasey was an amazing role model. I couldn’t have asked for a better role model growing up.

@crimsonace: Sending my condolences to the friends & family of Dennis Kasey. One of the best people in IN media & a great supporter of @IHSAA1 sports

@padrefan13: Very sad to hear of the passing of Dennis Kasey. I had the honor of being the first and only to beat “The 2 Fat Guys” at #HalfMoon. RIP

@timweeks4_: D.K. wasn’t ashamed of his Faith…He is happy now with his LORD…but we will miss him! Life is short, eternity is 4ever!

Dennis, I can’t wait to swap sports trivia with you again in heaven.

Until next time, remember to keep the man and ship in sports – and I’ll see you at the game.

Dean Hockney is the publisher of the Sports Journal of Central Indiana and sports editor of the Kokomo Herald. You can follow him on Twitter (@Sports_Journal) for the latest in local sports news and game reports.

KOKOMO, Ind. -- With the 2017 Fall Season quickly approaching, Head Cross Country Coach Jason VanAlstine has completed his roster with the additions of Amanda Shinn, Allison McMinn and Katie Kabel to the women's team and Jeremy Jakes to the men's squad.